Hello,
I’m just curious what everyone is using for laptops this days for forensics. I realize that most of the work would be done in a lab on a desktop/workstation with all the bells and whistles. But, I’m curious what you guys/gals would use if you had to, review case data, do daily work, and going place to place. I’m looking at either keeping the MacBook Pro 15.4 that I have or going with the Lenovo T400/T400s.
Thoughts?
Matthew
Save money. Stick with the Mac.
I use a MacBook Pro 15.4 on a daily basis for in-lab and on-site work. I appreciate its versatility and reliability.
I hear you on the versatility. It is nice to be able to run both OS's without fail. As far as saving money the Lenovo line is cheaper by about 300 to 500 dollars. Do you have a Matta Screen or Gloss?
Matthew
I use a MBP 15 as well, but an older model. The only downside to the newer models is they got rid of the ExpressCard. That makes my eSATA ExpressCard pretty much useless to me for that model. I'd have to get a 17 inch model instead.
They are also a bit more versatile now with the Intel arch. You can do a dual bot between Windows and OSX, or boot a Helix CD (or whatever your flavor of Live CD is). With the PC based machines you only have Windows or *nix as your options.
Of course, there's probably not much difference in what you can do with OSX versus *nix from an examination point of view.
Tom
I hear you on the versatility. It is nice to be able to run both OS's without fail. As far as saving money the Lenovo line is cheaper by about 300 to 500 dollars. Do you have a Matta Screen or Gloss?
I have a gloss screen and haven't regretted it. I think it really makes the screen pop!
As for the 300 to 500 dollars…there's a reason for it. In my mind, it's worth AT LEAST that for the no-hassle experience I have had with my Mac. I was an early Apple guy in the 80's (Apple, Apple II, II+, IIe) and, because of my work, became blue screen ridden PC guy for the next twenty-five years.
I bought my Mac, last year, and haven't looked back.
Good luck to you with whatever choice you make.
Thank for the comments so far. I'm curious, is the main reason everyone likes the mac for forensics is because of the Firewire 800 port? The only this missing on the MBP is missing is the Esata port. Does anyone find the edges of the MBP sharp? I'm thinking this could start to hurt after a number of hours on the laptop.
Seem like a lot of people like the mac!
Matthew
Does anyone find the edges of the MBP sharp? I'm thinking this could start to hurt after a number of hours on the laptop.
Not at all…the laptop is very ergonomic, in my opinion. At first, I had difficulty with the touchpad. Now, all is right in my point-and-click world, and I'm quite proficient with it. )
The Firewire 800 is a boon, yes. That would not be a deal-breaker for me, however.
My solution
- "normal" laptop with an eSata-port
- dual boot to linux or windows
Why use a MacBoo Pro? Just cause of that firewire-thingie? Na!
I am even wondering why the Lenovo T400?
I may be showing my ignorance on this, but I would prefer a 2 or 3 Acers with sufficient storage to keep the applications, the right ports and nothing more.
If that computer gets damaged, lost or stolen, hopefully only the software dongles need replacing.
Greetings,
MacBook Pro 15" and now 17" with an eSATA Xpress card. No sharp edges, no issues, great machines. I could pick up several cheaper machines for the cost of the MBP 17" but I've yet to lose or damage mine, so it is a good investment.
-David